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Neomycin / Polymyxin B / Bacitracin Non-Prescription Coupon - Neomycin / Polymyxin B / Bacitracin Non-Prescription 28g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu tube of ointment

neomycin / polymyxin b / bacitracin non-prescription

Generic Neosporin
Used for Skin Infection, Wound Care
Used for Skin Infection, Wound Care

Neosporin, sometimes known as "triple antibiotic," is a combination antibiotic ointment that contains three active ingredients: bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin. Neosporin is used to help prevent skin infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, as these wounds heal. But it's not meant to treat animal bites, serious burns, or deep puncture wounds - those might require medical attention. It's available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 24, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Neosporin?

What is Neosporin used for?

  • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

How Neosporin works

Neosporin is a combination of three antibiotics (bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin) that work together to kill bacteria by making their protective covering weaker and preventing them from making proteins they need to survive.

Are you looking for information on bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B (Neo-Polycin) eye ointment or bacitracin / polymyxin B (Polysporin) topical ointment instead?
When does Neosporin start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNeosporin Original
Drug ClassTopical antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$8.72(save 49.94%)
GoodRx discount
$4.37
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Neosporin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings
When do Neosporin possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Skin redness

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Neosporin

thumbs-up

Pros

Combines three antibiotics into one ointment for convenience

Available over the counter

Works well to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Comes in different sizes

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Might need to use it a few times per day

Can be messy to use

Not meant for long-term use

Can't be used to treat infections

Not for use in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Neosporin

pharmacist

  • Before using Neosporin, clean the affected area(s) on your skin. Wash your hands before and after using this medication. This will help prevent contamination (the spread of germs).

    • You should only use Neosporin to prevent infections in your cut. If it looks infected already (red, swollen, pus coming out), you need to see your healthcare provider right away to get proper treatment.

      • You can use a bandage to cover the affected area after applying Neosporin so it won't get on your clothing.

        • If you need to use Neosporin longer than 1 week or if the affected areas are getting worse, stop using it and contact your provider. This might be a sign that your wound might need more medical attention.

          • Neosporin should only be used on small cuts, scrapes, or burns. You shouldn’t use it over large areas of the body or for more serious injuries. If you have deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns, ask your provider right away about what you should do to treat your injury.

            • If you or someone you know accidentally swallows Neosporin, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.

              • Store Neosporin at room temperature away from children and pets.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Neosporin

                Does Neosporin expire?
                Yes. Be sure to check the expiration date on your package before using Neosporin. If it's past the expiration date, it might not work as well to prevent infection. In fact, using expired Neosporin can raise your risk of an infection. You can get rid of expired Neosporin by bringing them to a drug disposal site.
                Is Neosporin an antibiotic?
                Yes, Neosporin contains three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.
                Is Neosporin good for burns?
                Neosporin can help prevent infection in minor burns. But if you have a more serious burn, you should see a healthcare professional and ask them how to treat it.
                Can I put Neosporin on a tattoo?
                Ask your provider how to care for a new tattoo while your skin heals. Neosporin hasn't been well-studied for use in new tattoos. In general, Neosporin should only be used in minor injuries, like cuts and scrapes, and might not be appropriate for tattoos. Watch out for signs of an infection, such as redness that spreads, pain that worsens, fever, and pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your provider so they can rule out infection and make sure you get the proper treatment.
                Can I put Neosporin on eczema?
                Neosporin is typically not recommended to use for eczema. While eczema flares can lead to scratching and infections, Neosporin isn't approved to treat infections once they've already begun. Additionally, some antibiotic ointments, like Neosporin, can irritate your skin and cause your eczema to get worse. Talk to your provider about safer ways to manage your eczema symptoms.
                Does Neosporin help acne?
                No, Neosporin isn't meant to help treat acne. There are other medications that have been proven to work against the bacteria that cause acne. If you have acne, talk with your provider about the best treatment options for you.
                Can you put Neosporin in your nose or lips?
                No. Only use Neosporin on the outside of your body. Never use it in your mouth or nose, or other areas like eyes or genitals. These areas are more sensitive and prone to side effects.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Neosporin?

                Neosporin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Allergic reaction

                In some rare cases, Neosporin can cause an allergic reaction. If you develop a skin rash or other reaction while using this medication, stop using it and contact your provider. If you experience a more serious allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or swelling of your tongue, lips, or face, get emergency medical help right away.

                risk-warning

                Use only on your skin

                Neosporin should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals. If this medication is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.

                dosage

                Neosporin dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 tube of 28g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu of Neosporin is $5.20 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 40.41% off the average retail price of $8.72.
                tube of ointment
                Tube of ointment
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                14g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu1 tube$4.37$4.37
                28g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu1 tube$5.20$5.20
                28.4g of 5mg/5000iu/400iu1 tube$7.38$7.38

                Typical dosing for Neosporin

                Apply a small amount (about the size of the tip of your finger) to the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily.

                drug-cost

                How much does Neosporin cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Neosporin (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $4.37

                (save 49.94%)
                Neosporin (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $4.37

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Neosporin?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Neosporin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Neosporin
                Used for:

                • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

                $4.37 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
                Used for:

                • Preventing bacterial skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns

                $3.83 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Neosporin images

                This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.
                This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them.

                American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Eczema - Infections.

                Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). NEOSPORIN ORIGINAL - bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin b sulfate ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                View All References (3)

                MedlinePlus. (2015). Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Topical.

                Neosporin. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.

                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Don’t be tempted to use expired medicines.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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